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How to Support Teens with Learning Differences
Learning differences, also known as learning disorders or disabilities, can make academic settings particularly challenging for kids and parents.
Understanding these disorders, recognizing their signs, and knowing how to support teenagers with them are crucial steps toward ensuring their success in school and in life.
What are learning disorders?
Learning disorders encompass a range of conditions that affect a person’s ability to acquire and use academic skills effectively.
Three common types include dyslexia (difficulty with reading), dysgraphia (difficulty with writing), and dyscalculia (difficulty with math).
Approximately 5 to 15% of school-age children experience these challenges, with dyslexia being the most prevalent, affecting around 80% of people with learning differences.
Recognizing the Signs that a Teen Has a Learning Difference
Identifying the signs of learning differences early on can pave the way for timely intervention and support.
Some common indicators include:
- difficulty telling right from left
- reversing letters, words, or numbers, after first or second grade
- difficulties recognizing patterns or sorting items by size or shape
- difficulty understanding and following instructions or staying organized
- difficulty remembering what was just said or what was just read
- lacking coordination when moving around
- difficulty doing manual tasks, like writing, cutting, or drawing
- difficulty understanding the concept of time
Understanding Treatment
Treatment for learning disorders typically involves specialized instruction tailored to the individual needs of the child. This often includes extra help and support within the educational setting, potentially through special education services and the development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP). An IEP outlines specific goals and support services necessary for the child’s academic success.
Common Misconceptions about Learning Differences
There are a lot of common misconceptions surrounding learning disorders. Dyslexia, for example, is not a disease but rather a condition you are born with, often running in families. It’s crucial to emphasize that having a learning disorder does not equate to being unintelligent or lazy; it simply means that the brain processes information differently. Furthermore, learning disorders do not disappear over time.
Early intervention and ongoing support equip students for a lifetime of success when it comes to learning new skills and managing the challenges they may face.
Supporting Teens with Learning Differences
Supporting teens with learning differences requires empathy, understanding, and proactive measures. Here are some ways to help:
Extend Grace
Be patient and understanding, recognizing that each child’s journey is unique.
Seek Support
Reach out to educators, specialists, and support groups for guidance and assistance.
Utilize Tools
Explore tools and technologies that can facilitate learning, such as voice-to-text software, spelling and grammar checkers like Grammarly, or text-to-speech applications like Speechify.
Graduation Gift Ideas
- Cash
- Gift cards (gas, target, restaurants where they’re going, Netflix)
- T-shirt Quilt
- Clothes/shopping spree (especially if starting work)
- Practical: laundry detergent, toiletries bag, microwave-safe ramen bowls, power strip, Tide pen
- Chia pet
- Journal
- Towel
- Notes/Advice from influential adults in their life.
Tip: if you have a lot of seniors that you love, pick a couple a month and mail them a small gift card once they get to college.
In this episode, we mentioned or used the following resources about graduation gifts and learning differences
- TikTok: Graduation Gift Idea
- CDC: Learning Disorders in Children
- Nemours: Understanding Dyslexia | IEPs
- Psychiatry.org: Specific Learning Disorder
- ADA: Testing Accommodations
- Teen Life Podcast: Graduation | Graduation Gifts | ADHD | Test Anxiety
- Podcast music by Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges
Have a question?
If you have a question about something you heard or just want to give us some feedback, please leave us a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
About Us
Karlie Duke
Director of Communications
Tobin Hodges
Program Director
Caleb Hatchett
Podcast Host
Caleb Hatchett | Podcast Co-Host
Caleb loves helping teenagers take ownership of their faith and relationships. He graduated from Abilene Christian University with a degree in Youth and Family Ministry and is currently Student Ministry Director at Jenks Church in Oklahoma.
Karlie Duke | Director of Communications
Karlie has always had a heart for teenagers. Through her role at Teen Life, she loves to showcase the amazing stories coming out of Support Groups, but she is especially passionate about helping adults and teenagers find connection. Karlie has a BS in Communications with a minor in Family Studies from Abilene Christian University.
Tobin Hodges | Program Director
Tobin’s entire career has been centered around students and teens from all walks of life. He has a passion for helping teens be their best selves. As Program Director, he loves working directly with school staff and students through Teen Life Support Groups. Tobin has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Texas Tech University.